Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide.

It is a silent killer that often has no symptoms but can lead to serious complications such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. While there are medications available to treat hypertension, many people are turning to natural remedies such as garlic supplements to help lower their blood pressure.

What is Hypertension?

Hypertension is a condition in which the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is too high. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is expressed using two numbers.

The first number, known as systolic blood pressure, measures the force of blood when the heart beats. The second number, known as diastolic blood pressure, measures the force of blood when the heart is at rest between beats. Normal blood pressure is considered to be 120/80 mmHg.

However, if blood pressure consistently measures 140/90 mmHg or higher, then one is considered to have hypertension.

The Benefits of Garlic Supplements for Hypertension

Garlic, scientifically known as Allium sativum, has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. Garlic contains a sulfur compound called allicin, which has been shown to help lower blood pressure.

Allicin relaxes the blood vessels and improves blood flow, thus reducing the pressure on the walls of the arteries.

Several studies have investigated the effects of garlic supplements on blood pressure. A meta-analysis of 11 studies found that garlic supplementation reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in hypertensive patients.

Another study found that taking garlic supplements for 24 weeks reduced systolic blood pressure by up to 10 mmHg in people with hypertension.

Garlic supplements have also been shown to have other health benefits such as:.

Reducing the risk of heart disease
Lowering bad cholesterol levels
Improving immune function
Reducing the risk of certain cancers

How to Take Garlic Supplements for Hypertension

Garlic supplements are available in various forms such as capsules, tablets, and extracts. However, not all garlic supplements are created equal, and some may not contain enough allicin to be effective in lowering blood pressure.

When choosing a garlic supplement, it is important to look for one that contains standardized allicin extract. The recommended dosage of garlic supplements for hypertension is around 600-900 mg per day. However, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

Other Natural Remedies for Hypertension

Garlic supplements are not the only natural remedy that can help lower blood pressure. Other natural remedies that have shown promising results include:.

Hibiscus tea
Fish oil
Coenzyme Q10
Magnesium
Potassium
Dark chocolate

However, it is important to note that natural remedies should not be used as a substitute for prescribed medications.

Hypertensive patients should always consult with their healthcare provider before starting any new treatment, including natural remedies.

The Bottom Line

Hypertension is a serious medical condition that should not be ignored. While medications are available to treat hypertension, natural remedies such as garlic supplements can also be effective in helping to lower blood pressure.

Garlic supplements contain allicin, a sulfur compound that has been shown to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow, thus reducing the pressure on the walls of the arteries. However, it is important to choose a high-quality garlic supplement that contains standardized allicin extract and to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.